Aurora’s POV

The car ride was silent, and I looked out the window as the compound drifted into the distant background. I looked out the corner of my eye at his broad shoulders and stone face.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked. I squeaked not realizing that he had caught me gawking at him. I wonder if he was as self-conscious as the rest of us.

“Do you ever listen to music?” I blurted out. The question might have sounded strange, but it was ...